SUMMARY: The objective of this study was to determine the occurrence of anatomical variants in the exocranial surface of the jugular foramen, specifically, the presence of single or double and complete or incomplete septation. A cross-sectional anatomical study was performed using 96 Brazilian dry human skulls (53 male and 43 female). One examiner determined the number (single or double) and type (i.e. complete or incomplete) of osseous septation at the outer surface of jugular foramens. Data went through statistical analysis on GraphPad Prism 6.01. Our results shown that Male individuals where more likely to present normal jugular foramens (male = 71.69%, female = 34.88%; p = 0.003). However, one incomplete septation occurred more often on the right side of female individuals (1 incomplete septation, male = 16.98%; 1 incomplete septation, female = 34.88%; p = 0.044). Similarly, one complete septation (i.e. the presence of two fully divided jugular compartments) also occurred more often on the right side of female individuals (1 complete septation, male = 9.43%; 1 complete septation, female = 25.58%; p = 0.038). Anatomical variants of the jugular foramen regarding single or double complete or incomplete septations were more likely to be found on the right side of female individuals, whose also presented a higher rate of jugular foramens with any type of septation than regular non-altered jugular foramens.

RESUMEN: El objetivo de la presente investigación fue determinar la presencia de variaciones anatómicas en la superficie exocraneal del foramen yugular, especificamente, la presencia de septos únicos o dobles, completos o incompletos. El estudio fue realizado en 96 cráneos secos (53 masculinos y 43 femeninos) de indivíduos Brasileños. Se determinaron septos óseos completos o incompletos y número de ellos. Los resultados obtenidos fueron tratados estadísticamente con el programa GraphPad Prism 6.01. Los sujetos de sexo masculino fueron más propensos a presentar forámenes yugulares normales (sexo masculino: 71,69%; sexo femenino: 34,88%, p= 0,003). Sin embargo, se observaron septos incompletos con mayor frecuencia en el lado derecho y en el sexo femenino (sexo masculino: 16,98%; sexo femenino: 34,88%, p=0,044). Adicionalmente, una septación completa (presencia de dos compartimientos yugulares, divididos completamente), se presentaron más frecuentemente en el lado derecho de indivíduos femeninos (sexo masculino: 9,43%; sexo femenino: 25,58%, p= 0,038). Las variantes anatómicas del foramen yugular, en relación a septos simples o dobles, completos o incompletos, se encontraron con mayor frecuencia en el lado derecho de las mujeres, las que presentaron un alto rango de forámenes yugulares con algún tipo de septos respecto a los forámenes yugulares regulares no alterados.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar o comportamento biológico de microesferas de hidroxiapatita (HA) substituída com magnésio (Mg) durante o reparo de defeito ósseo crítico, tendo em vista que este íon é de grande interesse clínico, pois está intimamente associado à homeostasia e à mineralização óssea. Para tanto, utilizou-se 30 ratos para compor três grupos experimentais: GI - defeito ósseo preenchido com microesferas de HA; GII - defeito ósseo preenchido com microesferas de HA substituída com Mg; GIII (controle) - defeito ósseo vazio; avaliados nos pontos biológicos de 15 e 45 dias. Os resultados histológicos evidenciaram, aos 15 dias, discreto infiltrado inflamatório crônico e neoformação óssea restrita às bordas, em todos os grupos. Nos grupos GI e GII, os biomateriais mantiveram-se íntegros e circundados por tecido conjuntivo frouxo. Aos 45 dias, notou-se resposta inflamatória do tipo crônica granulomatosa discreta nos grupos GI e GII, e no GIII presença escassa de células inflamatórias mononucleares. As microesferas implantadas no GI e GII mantiveram-se, em sua maioria, íntegras e envolvidas por tecido conjuntivo fibroso. Notou-se discreta neoformação óssea próxima às bordas e circunjacente a algumas microesferas. No GIII, a mineralização limitou-se às bordas e a área remanescente foi preenchida por tecido conjuntivo fibroso. Conclui-se que os biomateriais foram biocompatíveis, bioativos, osteocondutores e apresentaram biodegradação lenta, indicando seu grande potencial para em aplicações clínica como biomaterial de preenchimento.

Abstract The aim of this study was to analyze the biological behavior and osteogenic potential of magnesium (Mg) substituted hydroxyapatite (HA) microspheres, implanted in a critical bone defect, considering that this ion is of great clinical interest, since it is closely associated with homeostasis and bone mineralization. For the purpose of this study, 30 rats were used to compose three experimental groups: GI - bone defect filled with HA microspheres; GII - bone defect filled with HA microspheres replaced with Mg; GIII - empty bone defect; evaluated at biological points of 15 and 45 days. The histological results, at 15 days, showed, in all the groups, a discrete chronic inflammatory infiltrate; biomaterials intact and surrounded by connective tissue; and bone neoformation restricted to the borders. At 45 days, in the GI and GII groups, an inflammatory response of discrete granulomatous chronic type was observed, and in the GIII there was a scarce presence of mononuclear inflammatory cells; in GI and GII, the microspheres were seen to be either intact or fragmented, surrounded by fibrous connective tissue rich in blood vessels; and discrete bone neoformation near the edges and surrounding some microspheres. In GIII, the mineralization was limited to the borders and the remaining area was filled by fibrous connective tissue. It was concluded that the biomaterials were biocompatible and osteoconductive, and the percentage of Mg used as replacement ion in the HA did not favor a greater bone neoformation in relation to the HA without the metal.

Resumo Foram analisadas raízes e folhas de Panicum maximum Tanzânia, Mombaça e Massai; Urochloa brizantha Piatã, Marandu e Xaraés; Urochloa humidicola Llanero; Urochloa ruziziensis Ruzizienses; Urochloa hybrida Mulato II e Cynodon nlemfuensis Estrela-roxa, procurando identificar caracteres relacionados à melhor adaptação ao ambiente e à qualidade nutritiva das forrageiras. As dez cultivares foram semeadas em blocos inteiramente casualizados com três repetições. Após estabelecidas foi coletado material vegetativo, do qual lâminas histológicas foram confeccionadas a partir de secções do terço médio de raízes e folhas. Foram observadas diferenças significativas (p>0,05) nas raízes: maior volume de células epidérmicas (28,62 µm) e diâmetro total (1926,41 µm) de Llanero; em Estrela-roxa maior espessura do cilindro vascular (975,09 µm) e número maior de protoxilemas (42,25) e formação de aerênquimas nas cultivares Piatã, Mulato II, Xaraés, Massai, Llanero, e Estrela-roxa; Nas folhas, foram constatadas maiores proporções de células buliformes (121,07 µm) e mesofilo foliar mais espesso (263,63 µm) em Llanero; em Xaraés e Marandu maiores proporções de fibras esclerenquimáticas; em Massai menores resultados para quantidade de fibras. Conclui-se que as cultivares Estrela-roxa, Llanero e Massai apresentam maior adaptabilidade ao ambiente e melhor qualidade nutritiva.

Abstract Roots and leaves of Panicum maximum Tanzânia, Mombaça and Massai; Urochloa brizantha Piatã, Marandu and Xaraés; Urochloa humidicola Llanero; Urochloa ruziziensis Ruzizienses; Urochloa hybrida Mulato II and Cynodon nlemfuensis Estrela-roxa were analyzed, seeking to identify characters for better adaptation to the environment that may interfere with digestibility of tissue from the point of view of the rumen in cattle. Were planted ten cultivars in a completely randomized blocks with three repetitions. Was collected vegetative material, which histological slides were prepared from middle third of the sections of roots and leaves. Were observed differences (p>0.05) in the roots: higher volume of epidermal cells (28.62 µm) and overall diameter (1926.41 µm) of Llanero; thicker vascular cylinder (975.09 µm) and more protoxylem (42.25) in Estrela-roxa and occurrence of aerenchyma in cultivars Piatã, Mulato II, Xaraés, Massai, Llanero and Estrela-roxa; Were found higher proportions of bulliform cells in the leaves (121.07 µm) and thicker leaf mesophyll in U. humidicola Llanero (263.63 µm); higher proportion of sclerenchyma fibers in Xaraés and Marandu; lower results for amount of fibers in P. maximum Massai. We conclude that the cultivars Estrela-roxa, Llanero and Massai have greater adaptability to the environment and better nutritional quality.

Resumo O objetivo desse trabalho foi comparar vitroplantas de Catasetum x apolloi cultivadas sob luz natural e luz artificial e diferentes concentrações de silicato de potássio, fornecendo dados sobre diferenciação anatômica que auxiliem no processo de aclimatação dessa espécie. Utilizou-se plantas provenientes da semeadura in vitro, 5 protocormos de aproximadamente 0,5 cm foram inoculados em frascos com capacidade para 500 mL contendo 100 mL de meio de cultura alternativo, acrescido de silicato de potássio (0,0; 0,5; 1,0 mL L–1), pH ajustado para 5,5 ±0,5 e gelificado com 4gL–1 de ágar antes do processo de autoclavagem. As culturas foram mantidas sob luz natural (TAA) e luz artificial (TAN) por 90 dias, e feitas análises micromorfométricas (diâmetro polar e equatorial, densidade e índice estomático, espessura do limbo na nervura central e nervuras secundárias). As aplicações de K2SiO4 em meio alternativo, propiciaram: alongamento da hipoderme; mesofilo mais espesso e nervura central mais proeminente; células guardas elípticas; formação de câmaras supraestomáticas; menor densidade estomática e estômatos com menores diâmetros equatorial e polar. As condições que podem favorecer a aclimatação são menores intensidades de luz e menores doses de silicato de potássio.

Abstract The aim of this study was to compare vitroplants Catasetum x apolloi grown under natural light and artificial light and different concentrations of potassium silicate, providing data on the anatomical differentiation that aids the acclimatization process of this species. Plants from in vitro seeding were used; 5 protocorms of approximately 0.5 cm were inoculated into vials with a capacity of 500 mL containing 100 mL of alternative culture medium plus potassium silicate (0.0, 0.5; 1.0 mL L–1), pH adjusted to 5.5 ± 0.5 and gelated with 4GL–1 agar before the autoclaving process. Cultures were maintained under natural light (TNE) and artificial light (TAE) for 90 days, and micromorphometric analysis was performed for polar and equatorial diameter, density and stomatal index, blade thickness in the central rib, and secondary veins. Applications in K2SiO4 alternative medium provided the following: elongation of the hypodermis, thicker mesophyll, and more prominent midrib; elipptical guard cells; formation of epistomatal chamber; and lower stomatal density and stomatal with lower equatorial and polar diameters. The conditions that favored the acclimatization were lower light intensities and lower potassium silicate doses.

O amálgama dentário é uma liga metálica amplamente utilizada em restaurações dentárias. Neste trabalho, foram usadas a Espectroscopia de Impedância Eletroquímica, curvas de polarização e análises Mott-Schottky para avaliar as características físico-químicas do filme passivo formado sobre a superfície das amostras de amálgama. As técnicas de difração de raios X e a espectrofotometria no ultravioleta também foram utilizadas para determinar as microfases presentes, bem como a formação de possíveis produtos de corrosão que sejam solúveis, respectivamente. Os estudos foram realizados com as amostras de amálgama das marcas Duxalloy® and Tytin® Plus, imersas em quatro diferentes tipos de eletrólitos: Solução salina de tampão fosfato, solução de Hank, saliva artificial e soro fisiológico (NaCl 0,9%). Em geral, quanto maior o tempo de imersão, menor a resistência do biomaterial, devido, possivelmente, à uma ruptura do filme passivo; as amostras da marca Duxalloy® apresentaram, após 168 h de imersão, uma maior resistência quando comparada com aquela das amostras da marca Tytin® Plus. As análises por difração de raios X mostraram diferenças entre as duas marcas estudadas. As análises por espectrofotometria no ultravioleta mostraram uma banda de absorção em ~ 276 nm. Os filmes passives mantiveram suas propriedades protetoras após 168 h de imersão.

The dental amalgam is a metallic alloy commonly utilized as a restorative material. In this study, Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy, polarisation curves and Mott-Schottky analysis were used to evaluate the physical characteristics of the passive film formed on amalgam surface; X-Ray and UV spectrophotometric analyses were also used to determine the alloy phases and possible soluble corrosion products, respectively. This study was done with Duxalloy® and Tytin® Plus samples in four different electrolytes: Phosphate Buffer Saline, Hank Solution, Artificial Saliva and NaCl 0.9%. In general, the longer the immersion time, the smaller the resistance, possibly due to film breakage; Duxalloy® presented, at the end of 168 h of immersion, a higher resistance when compared to Tytin® Plus. X-Ray analysis showed differences between the two studied brands. UV spectrophotometric analysis demonstrated a small absorption band at ~276 nm. These films kept their protective properties after 168 h of immersion

Recently, nanotechnology has developed to a stage that makes it possible to process magnetic nanoparticles for the site-specific delivery of drugs. To this end, it has been proposed as biomaterial for drug delivery system in which the drug release rates would be activated by a magnetic external stimuli. Alginate has been used extensively in the food, pharmaceutical and biomedical industries for their gel forming properties in the presence of multivalent cations. In this study, we produced iron oxide nanoparticles by coprecipitation of Fe(III) and Fe(II). The nanoparticles were entrapped in Ca alginate beads before and after alginate gelation. XRD analysis showed that particles should be associated to magnetite or maghemite with crystal size of 9.5 and 4.3 nm, respectively. Studies using Mössbauer spectroscopy corroborate the superparamagnetic behavior. The combination of magnetic properties and the biocompatibility of alginate suggest that this biomaterial may be used as biomimetic system.

A cinética e o mecanismo das reações entre 4(2piridilazo)-resorcinol e Zn2+, Cu2+ e misturas equimolares de Zn2++Cu2+ foram estudados. As reações foram realizadas em solução aquosa (pH = 8.5, tampão borato) e monitoradas espectrofotometricamente em 500 nm com a técnica de fluxo interrompido. Os dados espectrais e cinéticos indicam que a mistura equimolar Zn2++Cu2+ comporta-se como uma única espécie, sendo que isto pode ser atribuído a interações dos íons Zn2+ e Cu2+ com moléculas de água na solução aquosa. Apresenta-se uma proposta de mecanismo e as constantes de velocidade são calculadas.

The kinetics and mechanism of the reactions between 4(2pyridylazo)-resorcinol and Zn2+, Cu2+ and Zn2++Cu2+ equimolar mixtures were studied. The reactions were performed in aqueous solution (pH = 8.5, borate buffer) and monitored spectrophotometrically at 500 nm using stopped-flow technique. Spectral and kinetic data indicate that the Zn2++Cu2+ equimolar mixture behaves as an unique species and it can be attributed to the interactions of Zn2+ and of Cu2+ with water molecules in the aqueous solution. A mechanism is proposed and the rate constants are calculated.

A constitutive alkaline phosphatase was purified to apparent homogeneity as determined by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis from mycelia of the wild strain 74A of the mold Neurospora crassa, after growth on acetate and in the presence of saturating amounts of inorganic phosphate (Pi) for 72 h at 30ºC. The molecular mass was 58 kDa and 56 kDa as determined by exclusion chromatography and SDS-PAGE, respectively. This monomeric enzyme shows an apparent optimum pH ranging from 9.5 to 10.5 and Michaelis kinetics for the hydrolysis of p-nitrophenyl phosphate (the Km and Hill coefficient values were 0.35 mM and 1.01, respectively), alpha-naphthyl phosphate (the Km and Hill coefficient values were 0.44 mM and 0.97, respectively), ß-glycerol phosphate (the Km and Hill coefficient values were 2.46 mM and 1.01, respectively) and L-histidinol phosphate (the Km and Hill coefficient values were 0.47 mM and 0.94, respectively) at pH 8.9. The purified enzyme is activated by Mg2+, Zn2+ and Tris-HCl buffer, and is inhibited by Be2+, histidine and EDTA. Also, 0.3 M Tris-HCl buffer protected the purified enzyme against heat inactivation at 70ºC(half-life of 19.0 min, k = 0.036 min-1) as compared to 0.3 M CHES (half-life of 2.3 min, k = 0.392 min-1) in the same experiment.